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Kathmandu Sunday January 06, 2002 Paush 22, 2058.
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Lest we forget
By Shyam K.C.
KATHMANDU, Jan 5:The 11th SAARC summit comes to
an end today and the very fact that the movement has survived for the last 16 years
despite what seems to be insurmountable odds is a tribute to the founding fathers. And
given the spirit that became apparent at times in the present summit despite the asides
and despite some obviously uneasy moments, SAARC may yet gain the glory due to it and
establish itself as a vibrant organisation.
It is now difficult to write off SAARC if only
because other regional organisations and countries including powerful western industrial
nations are counting on it to deliver. At a time like the present when despite the deep
differences and heightened tension between India and Pakistan, the SAARC process is still
continuing. It is precisely at a time like this that we must remember the continuations of
our late beloved pro-poor King Birendra in bringing the regional body to fruition.
King Birendra was a farsighted leader who first
proposed the concept of regional cooperation in the late 1970s. True this was with
reference to the country’s water resources that could bring prosperity to the poverty
stricken nations of not only the seven countries that today make up SAARC but also other
countries.
The seed that King Birendra sowed during the
Colombo Plan consultative meeting in Kathmandu was brought to fruition in Dhaka in
December 1985 for which also King Birendra had to undertake a number of diplomatic
initiatives, as not all seven countries saw eye to eye on the concept nor were they all
sold top the concept.
Our late king’s faith in the regional
setup, despite difficulties, was abiding and unshakable. The manner with which the late
King Birendra took personal interest and initiatives for the 3rd SAARC held in the capital
in 1987 had to be seen to be believed. King Birendra, like a true captain, briefed and
debriefed the Nepalese team so that they knew what the country wanted from SAARC. The late
King was quick with suggestions whenever there was confusion among officials over SAARC
matters.
The functioning of SAARC as a regional
organisation, by far the most populous in the world, was hindered in many ways including
its relations with other international organisations and bodies such as those in the UN
system, the EU and the ASEAN. Wisely it was realised that SAARC cannot exist in isolation
and has to develop working relationship with others. But even now there is much that needs
to be done in this direction.
Truly because of the frequent misunderstanding
and tension between India and Pakistan, SAARC has not been able to attain its full
potentials. But the peoples of the region hope the one day it will for their common
benefit. That journey towards South Asian prosperity may be long and arduous but a
journey, nonetheless, that must be undertaken. Lest we forget, the contributions of the
late King Birendra in the development of SAARC as a regional body will remain etched in
golden letters in each Nepali heart.
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